New expert-level cyber forensics certification

(ISC)2 has developed a new certification, the Certified Cyber Forensics Professional (CCFPSM), as the first global standard for assessing experienced digital forensics professionals‘ mastery and professionalism.

The credential, initially available for the U.S. and South Korea beginning September 25, 2013, is designed to provide digital forensics employers and the legal community with validation that a digital forensics professional can lead digital investigations that yield complete, accurate and reliable results.

The CCFP spans the digital forensics and information security disciplines. It reflects internationally accepted standards of practice, forensic techniques and procedures and the legal and ethical principles required of digital forensics professionals. The CCFP will provide employers with an objective measure of the kind of broad-based, but deep knowledge required of today’s experienced cyber forensics professionals.

As with all its credentials, (ISC)2 conducted a job task analysis (JTA) study and exam development workshops to determine the scope and content of the CCFP credential programme. Subject matter experts from the (ISC)2 membership and organizations from Africa, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States contributed to develop the Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) that serves as the foundation for the credential, as well as the exam questions.

The CCFP provides multiple benefits to experienced cyber forensics professionals and to the organizations that employ them. For professionals, CCFP certification helps them to:

Validate and enhance their standing as advanced cyber forensics professionals with a comprehensive, credible certification

Instill employer confidence in their abilities and expand career opportunities with a credential that confirms their current expertise as well as their capacity to grow and evolve with the forensics industry

Perform international forensics investigations, knowing that their CCFP counterparts in other countries will be using a common globally recognised body of knowledge

“Digital forensics professionals are becoming more and more essential to the security posture of any organisation,” said W. Hord Tipton, CISSP-ISSEP, CAP, CISA, executive director of (ISC)2. “The CCFP is a comprehensive, expert-level programme that fills a significant void in the digital forensics certification market by validating the depth of senior-level professionals’ experience and expertise. It assures credential holders have the necessary breadth and depth of knowledge and thinking skills needed to address today’s complex cyber forensic challenges.”

To attain the CCFP, applicants must hold a four-year degree leading to a Baccalaureate, or regional equivalent and have at least three years of full-time, professional experience in digital forensics or IT security in three out of the six domains of the credential. Those not holding a degree must have six years of full-time digital forensics or IT security work experience in three out of the six domains of the credential OR an alternate forensics certification approved by the (ISC)² and five years of full-time digital forensics or IT security experience in three out of the six domains of the credential.